“She is your creation now.”

But what was she? This mask of a mask. Who walked the earth with her paws and where did they take her? She had always been nothing, and now she vanished into and illusion that was as beautiful as a dream itself. At least from where she watched.

Stone gray paws stepped from the shadows of the mountains for the first time. Her head was held high. Though still ashamed of the face that looked out into the world, her red lips and cheeks shined freely in the sunlight, matching the collar that ran down her chest. Her breath caught in her chest and panic thrilled through her. She had never stepped solidly, or proudly. Pariah had not, but Mirage did now. Taking a deep breath, she worked to calm herself and try again. Picking up her paws she trotted through the snow, mildly trotting along a well worn path that led into the fields. With a grin she even added a tail swing to go in time with her bounce.

Mirage smiled at the breeze that ruffled her fur and she picked up her pace to an easy paw-filled lope. Feeling free, she jumped over a stone and circled it. She did not feel the need to blend into the shadows and rocks at its base. Instead she jumped on top of it and sat proudly. Pink tongue rolled from her red lips and bloody eyes gazed at the world around her. It was wonderful as it was strange and she enjoyed the sun on her back. Her body was healthy and growing, her coat shining with nourishment of mind and body. For the first time she felt as though she were something, even if it was something outside herself. It was the first time she felt real. Real as a smile behind a mask.